GM John Schneider: Seahawks re-sign Brandon Mebane

Share this:

RENTON — The Seahawks took care of one of their biggest free-agent priorities on Friday.

General manager John Schneider announced that defensive tackle Brandon Mebane has re-signed with the Seahawks, big news for a team that has already had a big week in free agency.

Schneider was speaking with the media for the first time since the lockout ended, and also made official the signings of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, receiver Sidney Rice, offensive lineman Robert Gallery, defensive lineman Alan Branch, fullback Michael Robinson, linebacker Matt McCoy, and third-round draft pick John Moffitt, the last of Seattle’s nine draft picks to sign a deal.

Mebane, 26, has been a force in the running game during his four-year career with the Seahawks. He had 19 tackles and a sack last year in 12 games, and along with Red Bryant was the catalyst for Seattle’s strong rushing defense early in the season. When both players went down with injuries in the middle of the season, the defensive line took a step back and didn’t recover.

With Mebane back on board and Branch also on his way, Schneider and Co. have taken important steps to not only upgrade the status quo, but also add enough depth to ensure that an injury or two won’t send them sprawling backward. Schneider also indicated that Seattle isn’t done strengthening its defensive line.